Review of Syndromic Surveillance Systems Based on Livestock Abattoir Data

Abstract

This review examines existing literature on veterinary syndromic surveillance (SyS) utilizing livestock abattoir data with the aim to consider its application in Thailand. A systematic search revealed seven studies employing SyS based on abattoir data. Time series analysis is the common approach on which all seven studies rely, but there is diversity in the modeling methods employed. The studies utilized either whole carcass condemnation (WCC) or partial carcass condemnation (PCC) recorded at abattoirs as their key indicators. Factors contributing to their baseline models and the modeling methods were described and compared in this study. Seasonal effects and time trends are assessed for their relationship with WCC and PCC in all these studies, along with other factors such as total number of cattle, price of meat, size of abattoir, etc., depending on their assumptions and designs. The comparison of detection algorithms is limited as only two studies validated outbreak detection algorithms with simulated outbreaks. Challenges of SyS with abattoir data are identified as the lack of timeliness and data standardization, while the benefit is good area coverage. The potential implementation of SyS with abattoir data in Thailand was discussed in the discussion part of this study. The abattoir data in Thailand is already centralized, so almost 100% data coverage can be achieved, but data standardization is a challenge in the country. Future studies are suggested to further explore outbreak detection and its performance, as well as finding methods or strategies to overcome challenges.